TEC was formed in 1992 to improve coordination between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and external groups interested in the Department's transportation activities. TEC is co-chaired by DOE's Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management and the Office of Environmental Management. For more information on the background and history of this organization, please see the TEC Charter.

TEC membership includes representatives from national, state, tribal and local government organizations, labor, industry and professional groups. Members meet semiannually to participate in plenary sessions, breakout work sessions, and in more specialized Topic Groups.